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Lichaj reveals Petrov visit

Eric Lichaj has revealed how Aston Villa team-mate Stiliyan Petrov came into the dressing room before the Chelsea game to try and motivate the side.

Last Updated: 01/04/12 5:05pm

Eric Lichaj has revealed how Aston Villa team-mate Stiliyan Petrov came into the dressing room before the Chelsea game to try and motivate the side.

The young American scored his side's second goal in the 4-2 home defeat against the UEFA Champions League chasing Blues on Saturday.

But the game was remembered for a standing ovation from both sets of fans during the 19th minute to mark the number 19 shirt the Bulgaria international has worn during his six years at Villa Park after moving from Celtic.

And Lichaj, 23, revealed how the Villa skipper, who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia on Friday, spoke to the players prior to kick-off.

Great captain

He said: "Stan came into the dressing room beforehand. It is never easy when you hear news like that about someone you play with all the time.

"It can happen to anyone, just like with Fabrice Muamba the other week. You don't really know what to say or to do and just hope he makes a full recovery.

"Stan was in a good mood before the game, just trying to motivate us, being his normal self.

"That's how he is, an uplifting guy, a great captain, and it's sad what has happened."